Several residents of a low-income community want a large vacant plot of land to be turned into a neighborhood park. They think this will help to improve air quality in their region and reduce noise pollution. However, the land used to be the site of a chemical manufacturing plant. Local leaders learn that the cost of removing contamination from the soil is more than the city collects in property tax revenue. Instead of becoming a new park, the plot of land is fenced off to prevent people from entering.How does this scenario illustrate environmental inequality?
Answer
A
Industrial pollution limits community involvement, which limits local government.
B
Industrial pollution leads to the development of green spaces, which lowers taxes.
C
Industrial pollution limits economic resources, which limits access to green spaces.
D
Industrial pollution leads to higher property taxes, which leads to less green space.
Explanation
The former chemical plant left contaminated soil that would cost more to clean up than the city collects in property taxes. Because the city cannot afford remediation, residents cannot use the land as a park and gain its benefits, such as cleaner air and less noise. This shows how pollution and limited economic resources can restrict a community’s access to green space. The best choice is C, “Industrial pollution limits economic resources, which limits access to green spaces.”
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